the Connection Between Rib Pain and Lumbar Ligament Issues

Lumbar ligament issues?

Hello Doctor,
About five years ago, during my high school years, I experienced a tight, warm discomfort under my left rib cage, and I also felt a slight indentation in that area.
Since then, I have noticed that the left side of my rib cage appears to be sunken compared to the right side.
At that time, I also felt discomfort in my lower back and spine, but it eventually resolved on its own.
However, the slight indentation under my left rib cage has persisted.
Recently, the tight, warm discomfort under my left rib cage returned, and I wondered if it could be related to my stomach.
After about two weeks, I began to experience discomfort in my lower back and spine as well, characterized by a dull ache and significant soreness, especially when bending over.
I felt generally lethargic, similar to how I felt back then.
Two days ago, I visited an orthopedic clinic, and the doctor performed an ultrasound, which indicated inflammation and swelling of the ligaments in my lower back.
The X-ray showed no issues with my spine, but it was noted that my spine lacks flexibility, and I was advised to engage in more rehabilitation exercises.
I have a question: is there a connection between the discomfort under my left rib cage and the ligaments in my lower back? It seems like these two areas are quite distant from each other.
Why do I experience discomfort in both areas simultaneously? It always starts with the tight, warm discomfort under my left rib cage, followed by lower back pain.
I would like to understand this better and find a way to heal my lower back ligaments.
Thank you for your patience in reading and responding.
Sincerely,
Lily

Lili, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/10/14

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

Pain under the left rib may be due to inflammation of the abdominal muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
The physician mentioned that it is also related to the lumbar region.
The abdomen and lower back are surrounded by muscles, tendons, and ligaments, in addition to bones and organs, so any pain in this area is likely associated with these structures.
If the spine lacks flexibility, it is advisable to gradually engage in some stretching exercises to improve it.
If the pain under the left rib is more severe, taking some analgesics may help alleviate the discomfort.

Reply Date: 2018/10/14

More Info

Dear Lily,
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the discomfort you are experiencing in your left rib area and lower back. It’s understandable to feel anxious when symptoms persist or recur, especially when they seem to be interconnected. Let’s explore the potential relationship between your rib pain and lumbar ligament issues.

Firstly, the rib cage and lumbar spine are anatomically distinct regions, but they are interconnected through various structures, including muscles, ligaments, and fascia. The discomfort you felt in your left rib area five years ago, which you described as a tight and warm sensation, may have been related to muscular strain or inflammation in the surrounding tissues. The fact that you noticed a depression in the rib area could suggest a muscular imbalance or weakness, possibly due to postural issues or previous injury.

When you mentioned that the discomfort returned recently, along with pain in your lower back and spine, it raises the possibility of a few underlying issues. One potential explanation is that the initial rib discomfort could have led to compensatory changes in your posture or movement patterns. Over time, these compensations can place additional stress on the lumbar region, resulting in inflammation of the lumbar ligaments, as indicated by your recent ultrasound findings.

The lumbar spine is supported by a complex network of ligaments that provide stability and allow for movement. If these ligaments become inflamed, it can lead to pain and discomfort that may radiate to other areas, including the rib cage. The tightness and discomfort you feel in your rib area may be a referred pain from the lumbar region, or it could be due to muscle tension in the surrounding areas, such as the diaphragm or intercostal muscles.

Additionally, the relationship between the rib cage and lumbar spine is influenced by the diaphragm, which is a primary muscle involved in respiration. If there is tension or dysfunction in the diaphragm, it can lead to discomfort in the rib area and may also affect the lumbar region due to altered breathing mechanics and postural alignment.

Given your symptoms, it is essential to address both the rib discomfort and the lumbar ligament inflammation. Here are some recommendations:
1. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can be beneficial. A physical therapist can assess your posture, movement patterns, and muscle imbalances. They can design a tailored exercise program to strengthen the muscles around your rib cage and lumbar spine, improve flexibility, and alleviate pain.

2. Postural Awareness: Being mindful of your posture, especially during activities that require prolonged sitting or standing, can help reduce strain on your back and rib area. Incorporating regular breaks to stretch and move can also be beneficial.

3. Pain Management: If you experience significant discomfort, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may help manage pain and reduce inflammation. However, consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication.

4. Breathing Exercises: Incorporating diaphragmatic breathing exercises can help improve the function of the diaphragm and may alleviate some of the discomfort in your rib area.

5. Follow-Up Care: Since you have already seen an orthopedic specialist, it is crucial to follow up with them or a physical therapist to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

In conclusion, while the rib area and lumbar spine may seem distant, they are interconnected through various anatomical structures. Addressing both areas holistically will likely yield the best results in alleviating your discomfort. If your symptoms persist or worsen, please seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional.

Wishing you a speedy recovery and relief from your symptoms.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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